Darwin Chapuswike

April 2025 Windows Update Disrupts Windows Hello on Select Devices, Here's How to Fix It

April 15, 2025

As an L2 Support Engineer at NetOne Zambia, I often dive into the latest tech challenges to keep our IT infrastructure running smoothly. A recent Windows security update, released on April 8, 2025, has caught my attention due to its unintended impact on Windows Hello functionality for certain users. Specifically, the cumulative update KB5055523 is causing issues with biometric and PIN-based logins on devices with specific security features enabled. In this post, I will break down the problem, share Microsoft’s temporary fixes, and reflect on the broader implications for system updates.

What is Causing the Problem?

The issue arises on systems where either System Guard Secure Launch or Dynamic Root of Trust for Measurement (DRTM) was enabled after installing the KB5055523 update. Affected users may encounter error messages such as:

• “Something happened and your PIN is not available. Click to set up your PIN again.”
• “Sorry, something went wrong with face setup.”

This problem impacts both Windows 11 24H2 and Windows Server 2025 platforms. Devices with these security features enabled prior to the update, or those without these features, are not affected. [Source: Microsoft Support, April 2025 Updates]

Quick Fixes Available

While Microsoft is working on a permanent solution, they have provided temporary workarounds to restore Windows Hello functionality:

• For PIN Login: At the login screen, follow the “Set up my PIN” prompt to re-enroll in Windows Hello.
• For Facial Recognition: Navigate to Settings > Accounts > Sign-in options > Facial recognition (Windows Hello), select Set up, and follow the on-screen instructions to reconfigure facial recognition.

These steps should restore access to Windows Hello functionalities, allowing users to log in securely once again. [Source: Microsoft Support, April 2025 Updates]

Broader Implications

This incident underscores the complexities of integrating advanced security features with system updates. While the affected user base is relatively small primarily those with specific security configurations, the disruption highlights the need for thorough testing of updates across diverse system setups. At NetOne Zambia, where we rely on stable systems for our operations, such issues remind us to approach updates cautiously, especially on critical devices.

As Microsoft continues to enhance security measures, ensuring compatibility and minimizing disruptions will be crucial. This experience also emphasizes the importance of having fallback authentication methods, like passwords or alternative devices, to maintain access during unexpected issues.

Conclusion

If you have encountered issues with Windows Hello following the April 2025 update, utilizing the provided workarounds should resolve the problem. As I continue to monitor tech updates and their impacts at NetOne, I will keep sharing insights to help the tech community in Zambia and beyond navigate these challenges. Stay tuned for further updates from Microsoft addressing this issue, and always ensure your systems are prepared for unexpected hiccups.